Driving a Cadillac in West Hollywood won’t draw attention—unless it’s a
Cadillac Celestiq
Crafted meticulously with customizable features bound only by creativity, this cutting-edge semi-sedan serves as a moving display that causes even the most cynical Angelinos to pause, gaze, and raise a thumb in approval. It elicits the very same response.
Corvettes
Experience life in Small-Town America, yet in this place, the Celestiq garners admiration from people accustomed to frequent encounters with luxury cars and celebrities. Capturing attention along the Sunset Strip is far from simple.
You might assume that the Celestiq, with its starting price around $340,000, is designed purely for pampering passengers. However, Cadillac’s meticulously crafted electric flagship vehicle goes beyond mere luxurious transportation. To demonstrate this, they let us divide our test drives between the glamorous streets of Hollywood and the twisty, confined roads of Angeles Crest Highway. It becomes clear that the Celestiq offers much more than just aesthetic appeal; it delivers an experience akin to fine dining.
and
a show.
The Celestiq Aims to Excel at Everything
The sole other vehicle General Motors produces with such a sloped windshield as the Celestiq’s features a mid-mounted V-8 engine and carries a Corvette emblem. However, inclined glass is not the exclusive similarity between the Cadillac and America’s iconic sports car; they also have the same top executive—Tony Roma, a passionate race car driver serving as both the chief engineer of the Celestiq and the
newly minted Corvette boss
Considering its background, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Celestiq is far from dull when you’re driving it.
The Celestiq draws power from dual permanent magnet motors that deliver all-wheel drive and generate as much as 655 horsepower and 646 pound-feet of torque when inVelocity Mode.Max Cadillacsays theCelestiwwill acceleratefrom zero to sixty miles per hourin just 3.7 seconds; however, we plan to validate these figures after testing it ourselves atourtrack. For now,wecan assure youthatthis luxurious vehicleis impressively swift. Pressingdownontheacceleratorwill causeits front endto liftwhile therare endsinks akin toan older modelEldorado.TheCelestiquite certainly hasthepower,butit deliversa senseof velocitywith acalm demeanor,a resultoftop-notch noise insulation. It’s truly remarkable.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
boasts one of the most silent interiors we have ever tested, however, the Celestiq ought to come quite close when we manage to connect our recording equipment.
Featuring an 111-kWh battery integrated into the chassis, Cadillac predicts that a complete recharge will offer 303 miles of travel distance, surpassing the Specter in terms of both storage capability and projected range. The Celestiq’s 400-volt system allows for rapid charging at rates of up to 190 kW, which can reportedly increase the vehicle’s range by approximately 75 miles within just ten minutes.
Even with a wide body that blocks an entire lane and a profile that extends farther than a
gas-fed Escalade
, the Celestiq handles as gracefully as a
CT5
This Caddy owes much of its maneuverability to the rear-axle steering system which reduces the turning radius. While the car’s handling isn’t as responsive as models featuring a Blackwing designation, it still offers an engaging experience. The steering has good heft but does not provide feedback during aggressive turns nor convey details about the road surface beneath. Comfort can be found in the solid feel provided by the brake pedal at first contact, ensuring confidence each time. Additionally, the transition from regenerative to conventional brakes occurs smoothly without any jarring interruptions. Enthusiasts who enjoy single-pedal operation will find value in the configurable one-pedal drive setting, complementing various customizable performance modes available.
Given the grand scale of the Celestiq, it could very well stand as General Motors’ pinnacle achievement in terms of ride and handling. Every wheel is supported by intricate five-link suspensions, coupled with adaptive air springs and magnetorheological shock absorbers. However, what truly sets it apart are the vehicle’s innovative active anti-roll bars—a first for Cadillac. This engineering marvel allows a vehicle of such size and comfort to navigate corners just as firmly and steadily as a Corvette. Despite its impressive dimensions, the Celestiq neither bounces nor sways; instead, it moves with impeccable fluidity even when equipped with substantial 23-inch rims fitted with low-profile summer tires.
Whether you’re speeding through winding roads like those found along the Angeles Crest or enjoying a serene drive alongside Highway 101, the Celestiq remains steadfastly composed. The transition between acting like a luxurious cruiser and performing akin to a sportier model happens so seamlessly that one might think it’s pure sorcery—almost magically transforming into whichever driving mode suits your needs at any moment.
A Cadillac Unlike Any Other
The Celestiq turns out to be an unexpectedly delightful driving experience, yet it also caters well to those who prefer riding. Every single passenger enjoys premium seating that comes equipped with heating, cooling, and massage functions. A standard panoramic glass roof is segmented into four sections, allowing individual adjustment of tint levels; this means one occupant can soak up sunlight while others remain comfortably shaded. Paired with Dolby Atmos-compatible audio, the vehicle’s 38-speaker AKG sound system virtually transports you from gridlock directly to a concert venue.
It’s tempting to focus on the large features like the expansive glass ceiling or the wall-spanning digital screens; however, the finer details deserve equal recognition. Cadillac utilized numerous 3D-printed components, with the largest one being the metallic steering wheel trim. Additional touches include acid-etched speaker grills and stainless steel seat belt guides. Positioned prominently on the sleek and refined dashboard is an aluminum casting area ideal for personalized engravings.
While this cabin isn’t flawless, we do find value in both the volume control and the rotary entertainment dial situated on the central panel. However, we feel that additional tactile switches would enhance the overall experience inside the vehicle. The glossy black accents within seem rather low-quality, although such aesthetics have become trendy—even prestigious brands like Rolls-Royce occasionally embrace these design choices. Drivers selecting light materials beneath their instrument cluster may face visibility issues due to harsh sun reflections off the windscreen, yet opting for darker finishes can help alleviate this problem. In fact, Cadillac ensures all units come equipped with a dark backdrop specifically to prevent this very concern, unless customers request an alternative during purchase.
Cadillac Returns to the Future
The distinctive hallmark of the Celestiq lies in its custom details. Every four-door hatchback is individually crafted upon request within a specialized section of GM’s Technical Center located in Warren, Michigan, ensuring virtually no two vehicles are exactly alike. This model stands out as the most personalized Cadillac since the Eldorado Brougham from the late ’50s, offering features like leather- or wood-covered floors—options not available with previous models. The range of choices for colors and materials is unrestricted; however, your dedicated Cadillac representative might caution that unusual preferences could lead to extended delivery timelines and higher costs. According to Cadillac, the shortest waiting period starts around twelve weeks but may stretch further depending on how intricate the customization process becomes.
The production version of the Celestiq is almost exactly like the concept car.
idea that was introduced in 2022
, aimed at reviving Cadillac’s “Standard of the World” period. This designation emerged during the brand’s 123-year history and persisted for many years; however, it’s uncertain when this standard began to falter. Some individuals might contend that it was the
hunchbacked 1980 Seville
, others may indicate the
Cimarron that followed for ’82
Moreover, there were undoubtedly several warning signs throughout the process. While the Celestiq may not elevate Cadillac back to being the Standard of the World, it does demonstrate that the brand can still produce a highly desirable top-tier model capable of going head-to-head with the finest offerings available.
Interested in buying a car? Discover your perfect match on the MSN Autos Marketplace.
